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OLBH and Ironton In Bloom to Host Groundbreaking of New Ironton Community Garden Sept. 23

OLBH, in collaboration with Ironton in Bloom, will host a free groundbreaking of the new Ironton Community Garden (7th and Adams Street) Sunday Sept. 23 beginning at 1 p.m.

The hospital’s Healthy Community Initiative program worked in collaboration with Ironton in Bloom to bring the garden project to fruition. The 44 by 132 feet garden property was purchased with a grant from the Bon Secours Health System Mission Fund. The garden will serve as a multi-faceted community space for learning, socializing and recreation.

The event will start at 1 p.m. with a ribbon cutting followed by groundbreaking and the planting of two fruit trees. Father David Huffman will provide a blessing of the property at 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

“OLBH is pleased to be involved in bringing this community garden to the people of Ironton,” Diva Justice, director of OLBH’s Healthy Community Initiatives, said. “It will foster healthy living and make gardening easy for residents of all ages. Social interaction of children, adults, families and friends working in a garden helps to strengthen relationships within a community. I very much look forward to the spring garden season.”
Construction of the Ironton Community Garden’s raised garden beds will begin this fall. Once construction of the garden is complete a registration day will be announced for community members to sign up for garden plots to begin planting in the spring. The number of available plots will be determined after construction. A minimal yearly fee will be charged to assist with maintenance.

For more information concerning the Ironton Community Garden, contact Justice at (606) 833-3106 or via email at diva_justice@bshsi.org.